 Team Reports |
Service to humanityShell Duggan — Vernon, BC
"Service to humanity is the best work of life." — C. William Brownfield Our team first met in Delhi, for a week of touring and getting to know each other. We visited Agra, Jiapur, and Varanasi. It was a great way for us to get to know each other before the distribution. A world away from the life I knew, it was interesting to see how life can be so different in another part of the world and that our way of doing things is not necessarily the way they are done in other countries. Riding in traffic for example – constant honking horns, chaos as people create their own lanes, the weaving in and out, everyone wanting their spot in the race, no one stops for anything except the sacred cow. It is an experience everyone should have to appreciate our own rush hours. On January 12th I embarked on a long-awaited journey: my first Sleeping Children bedkit distribution and my first international travel. When we arrived in Kolkata I was overwhelmed by the wonderful warm welcome by the Rotary Club of Dum Dum and their wives. We were presented with beautiful fresh garlands, warm smiles, and hugs.
My first day of distribution finally arrived. I was impressed with the amount of work and organization the Rotary Club had done in preparation for the distributions. The site set-up allowed us to efficiently deliver over 900 bedkits our first day. The opportunity to meet the children, interact with them, learn their language, share songs, and see their smiles of joy was heartwarming. We were fortunate to visit a few villages and the homes of some recipients, a true perspective of rural life for the majority of our recipients. It was easy to see the pride they took in showing us their home. Their homes were simple and tidy inside and out, well cared for, and all the necessities that they needed.
I am in awe of a culture where many have so little yet they are rich in soul, rich in appreciation for what they do have, not wanting what they don't have. Parents were so grateful for the bedkits they would hug us, bless us and smile – their child no longer had to sleep on a mat made of tree leaves, or walk on bare feet, or shiver in the cold nights because they had no blanket. Knowing that we were making a difference in the lives of these families and helping fulfill Murray's dream was so very rewarding. When people work together for a common goal, despite being half way around the world from each other, it is amazing what can be accomplished, what positive change can take place. The Rotary Club of Dum Dum has done great work in India and it was a privilege to work and learn from them. |
